Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mark Harmon
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Mark Harmon made an impact.
Mark Harmon is an American actor, producer, director, writer, and former football player, most notably recognized for his long-running portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs on the hit television series NCIS. His career spans decades, establishing him as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Before acting, Harmon played college football.
1972: UCLA Quarterback
After transferring to the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1972, Mark Harmon started as quarterback for the Bruins.
1973: UCLA Quarterback
In 1973, Mark Harmon continued as quarterback for the UCLA Bruins.
1975: Early TV Appearances
In mid-1975, Harmon had guest roles in episodes of Adam-12, Police Woman, and Emergency!.
1978: Comes a Horseman
During the mid- to late-1970s, Harmon made guest appearances on TV series and had supporting roles in the feature film Comes a Horseman in 1978.
1978: Emmy Nomination and Centennial
In 1978, Harmon received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie for his performance in Eleanor and Franklin: The White House Years. He also appeared in three episodes of the mini-series, Centennial.
1979: Beyond the Poseidon Adventure and 240-Robert
In 1979, Mark Harmon had supporting roles in the feature film Beyond the Poseidon Adventure and landed a co-starring role on the action series 240-Robert.
1980: Flamingo Road Role
In 1980, Harmon gained a regular role in the prime time soap opera Flamingo Road, playing Fielding Carlisle.
1983: St. Elsewhere Role
In 1983, Mark Harmon landed the role of Dr. Robert Caldwell on the series St. Elsewhere.
1986: People's Sexiest Man Alive and Film Roles
In 1986, Harmon was named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive. He also played the lead in the television films Prince of Bel Air and The Deliberate Stranger, and a role in the film Let's Get Harry.
1986: Departure from St. Elsewhere
In early 1986, Harmon left St. Elsewhere, with his character contracting HIV, one of the first instances on television. He also became the spokesperson for Coors Regular beer.
1987: Summer School and Moonlighting
In 1987, Harmon played the lead role in the comedy Summer School and had a limited engagement on the series Moonlighting. He also starred in the television film After the Promise.
1988: The Presidio and Stealing Home
In 1988, Harmon co-starred in the films The Presidio and Stealing Home.
1988: Minor League Baseball Ownership
In 1988, Harmon was part owner of the San Bernardino Spirit, a minor league baseball team, and used their field for the film Stealing Home.
1989: Worth Winning
In 1989, Harmon appeared in the comedy Worth Winning and then returned to television in various television films.
1993: Harts of the West
In 1993, Harmon appeared in one episode of the CBS comedy/western series Harts of the West with future NCIS castmate Sean Murray.
1995: Charlie Grace
In 1995, Harmon starred in the ABC series Charlie Grace, portraying a private investigator.
1996: Chicago Hope Role
From 1996 to 2000, Harmon played Dr. Jack McNeil on the series Chicago Hope.
1998: From the Earth to the Moon
In 1998, Harmon portrayed astronaut Wally Schirra in one episode of the mini-series From the Earth to the Moon.
2000: Chicago Hope Role
From 1996 to 2000, Harmon played Dr. Jack McNeil on the series Chicago Hope.
May 2002: The West Wing Role
In May 2002, Harmon portrayed Secret Service special agent Simon Donovan on The West Wing, earning his second Emmy Award nomination.
2002: The West Wing
In 2002, Harmon played Secret Service special agent Simon Donovan in a four-episode story arc in The West Wing, receiving an Emmy Award nomination for the role.
April 2003: JAG and NCIS Introduction
In April 2003, Harmon appeared in a guest-starring role in two episodes of JAG, introduced as NCIS agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
2003: Freaky Friday Remake
In 2003, Harmon had a supporting role in the remake of the comedy film Freaky Friday.
2003: NCIS Role
In 2003, Mark Harmon's character of NCIS Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs was introduced in a guest-starring role in two episodes of JAG.
2008: NCIS Producer
Since 2008, Mark Harmon has been a producer and executive producer for the TV-show NCIS.
2014: Wings Productions Founded
In 2014, Harmon started a production company called Wings Productions to produce NCIS: New Orleans.
2017: People's Choice Award
In 2017, Mark Harmon won a People's Choice Award for Favorite TV Crime Drama Actor for his role in NCIS.
2018: CBS Series Producer
As of 2018, Harmon works as a producer for a new CBS series, based on author John Sandford's Prey novels.
2021: NCIS departure
From 2003 to 2021, Harmon starred in the spinoff NCIS as Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
2023: Ghosts of Honolulu Release
In 2023, Harmon, with retired NCIS Special Agent Leon Carroll Jr., released Ghosts of Honolulu: A Japanese spy, a Japanese American spy hunter, and the untold story of Pearl Harbor. Harmon also narrates the audio book.
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